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NYC Ferry Fares Rising 45%, But With More Discounts Available

NYC Ferry single-ride tickets will increase to $4 from $2.75, though regular riders and those eligible for a discount program will pay much less

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Single-ride fares on the NYC Ferry are going up 45%, but the city says regular riders will still be able to take advantage of the old price, and new deep discounts will be available for those eligible.

The city ferry's single-ride fare will rise to $4 from $2.75 as of Sept. 12; a separate $1 bike fee will also be eliminated as of that date.

A 10-ride pack will be available for $27.50, effectively preserving the old fare for those who ride the system more regularly. Officials estimated the new pricing structure would generate up to $2 million in extra annual revenue.

A new Ferry Discount Program will offer tickets at $1.35 each way for eligible riders who apply and are verified. To increase uptake for that program, the ferry system will send mailers to dozens of NYCHA developments near ferry terminals this summer. The mayor's office estimated at least 1 million people would be eligible for the discount program.

"We have to meet people where they are, and take them not where we are," said Mayor Eric Adams, who is calling the new program Ferry Forward. "Those who say it’s just for the affluent New Yorkers, that’s just wrong."

The mayor's administration says that the ferry service presents a fast and affordable way for low-income riders to get from transit deserts, like the Astoria Houses in Queens, to Manhattan. The city is offering free rides to NYCHA residents over the summer to promote the service.

The fare hike comes amid controversy about how much the NYC Ferry system is actually costing the city. The comptroller's office released a scathing audit last week claiming the Economic Development Corporation had underreported more than $200 million in ferry costs over six years, and that the city's subsidy per rider ended up being almost $13 in the last fiscal year.

The EDC responded to the audit saying, “We believe that relevant data was misrepresented, key facts were misconstrued, or NYCEDC's contractual agreement with the operator of the NYC Ferry was misunderstood.”

The city shelled out a quarter of a million dollars more than it reported to pay for ferry service over the past five years, according to a new audit. NBC New York's Checkey Beckford reports.

But government watchdogs have long criticized the city for subsidizing the boats, essentially charging taxpayers to keep fares low. On Thursday, officials acknowledge they'll lower the tax burden by raising the price of tickets.

"We came out at $4. Our analysis shows between $4 and $5 is good, but you lose if you increase it too much," said NYC EDC President Andrew Kimball.

As for expanding ferry service in the future, advocates along with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards still are calling for a route that provides service to LaGuardia Airport.

Copyright NBC New York
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